Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Sometimes life is comfortable. We think, how could it be any better than this? Other times we’re reaching out to try to find some relief from the challenges in life we face. And seemingly, each time we see a resolution to our challenges, it feels like it gets extended out. It might feel like a mirage, that evaporates right before we reach it.

I have been in both of these situations and will probably be there again. This life does not deliver on its promises. But God does, though we don’t always understand his timing. However, there is no one else who always delivers on their promises!

God loves us like his children, he created us, and so there is no reason why he would not deliver on his promises. He has all the power, and he loves us.

The encouragement here is to remain faithful to the end. What good is it to sacrifice so much only to compromise and turn from the Lord at the end. We must root our faith in the truth. We must build our resolve in our relationship with Jesus Christ. And with a determination that will not extinguish, we must continue to get back up and travel down the path of righteousness. The battles we face are spiritual and have eternal significance. Earthly battles can be tough, but they will fade away once we reach heaven.

Lord, help me to focus on your kingdom first and your righteousness. Help me to see clearly past the trials of the day, into the glory and splendor of eternity with you.